Landon Lifts off to Walk-Off for Quakes
Published on May 13, 2018 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - After keeping the Quakes off the scoreboard in the eighth inning, Austin Mason was summoned again for the ninth with a 2-1 lead to work for a six-out save.
But just three days after Visalia enjoyed their first walk-off win of the year, Mason (L, 1-2) fell into trouble. He allowed a leadoff single to Cristian Santana and a grounder up the middle to bring up Logan Landon. Mason missed with the first pitch of the at bat before Landon crushed a drive to right that sailed over the 373-foot marker and sent the Quakes to a 3-2 walk-off victory.
Visalia (20-16) fell in walk-off fashion for the fourth time this year and for the first time since April 20. Landon's walk-off shot was the first against the Rawhide this season.
Rancho Cucamonga (17-20) led for most of the game thanks to an outstanding start by Andrew Sopko. After an RBI single by Gavin Lux scored Cody Thomas in the third inning, Sopko held the line through his seven innings of work. Sopko allowed at least one baserunner in each of his final six innings, but the Rawhide were unable to muster any offense off of him.
Visalia finally broke through in the eighth against left-hander Logan Salow, as Camden Duzenack and Marcus Wilson led off the inning with an infield single and a double respectively. With runners at second and third, Adam Walton, who was batting for the first time after replacing Major League rehabber Jake Lamb, singled into right-center to put Visalia up 2-0.
Daulton Varsho followed Walton with his second hit of the game, but the Rawhide failed to put up another run.
After Visalia worked back-to-back walks in the top of the ninth inning, Parker Curry (W, 4-0) entered the game and kept the Rawhide off the board once again.
Bo Takahashi lasted 5.2 innings for Visalia and allowed one run on five hits with five strikeouts and a pair of walks. Robby Sexton also picked up 1.1 scoreless innings of relief after Takahashi departed the game.
The loss ended Visalia's season-long three-game winning streak. The Rawhide had one hit in nine combined at bats with runners in scoring position. Lamb went hitless in his first rehab appearance, but he hit the ball hard twice.
Visalia will finish the four-game series in Rancho Cucamonga tomorrow morning, looking for their second road series win of the season. The Rawhide will send RHP Emilio Vargas (2-0, 1.09) to the bump against RHP Dustin May (0-1, 3.12). First pitch is at 10:35 AM.
California League Stories from May 13, 2018
- Landon Walk-Off HR Wins It on Sunday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Dunshee Deals, But Ports Fall 3-2 - Stockton Ports
- Landon Lifts off to Walk-Off for Quakes - Visalia Rawhide
- Dennis Fans Nine, but 'Hawks get Shut Out - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Pitching Shines in 3-0 Shutout - San Jose Giants
- Patience Keys Rawhide Win - Visalia Rawhide
- Justin Turner Here Again on Sunday, Quakes Fall Late on Saturday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Patience Keys Rawhide Win - Visalia Rawhide
- Hot Bats Help Ports to 7-5 Win - Stockton Ports
- Paddack Stifles Nuts in 4-1 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- JetHawks Rally Past Giants, 7-6 - San Jose Giants
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